My daughter has a very good memory. This past week we were talking about the beach, (that is what you do in March when you cannot get way, you dream about July and North Carolina beaches), as we recalled our trip from last year, I was amazed at the details she could remember. “Daddy, I remember watching Thomas and then the lights went out and then the fireworks started, and I got to stay up late with you and Mommy…”
I thought to myself... I cannot recall what I watched two weeks ago that quickly. Our memory bank is a fascinating part of our body. It is amazing how much we can recall from past years, however, I am sure there is plenty we have forgotten. I know coaches who can recall games 10 years back as if we just played it last night. My memory is not always that strong.
As I was preparing this week for a teaching, I began reading through Psalm 106. In verse 12, the Psalmist reminds us of some others who had the tendency to forget…”they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.” God’s people had forgotten all He had done for them, despite singing His praises.
My prayer for us today is that we would never forget the things God has done for us. Yes, family memories and athletic contests are good to keep in the memory banks, but they do not compare to the work of God. I try to keep 2 Cor. 5:21 on my mind as a reminder of the price that was paid for my freedom.
I also try to recall specific times in my life where I saw God at work… it is these times I want to keep fresh in my mind. If you are in a tough spot or a dry spell today, think back to God’s goodness in your life, sing His praise, but never forget what He has done for you. Our mind is a powerful tool; let’s fill in with the Goodness of our God today.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Character Sill Counts
Guest Post: This is a reminder from my good friend and Pastor of Sports Ministry at the Chapel. I appreciate Dale Saylor's heart and passion to honor our Savior through sport. Dale spent a number of years serving with FCA prior to joining the Chapel staff. As you read it over, I hope this encourages you today.
Dale Saylor writes...
Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.
Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”
It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.
The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]
Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.
Dale Saylor writes...
Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.
Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”
It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.
The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]
Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.
Wallpaper and Jesus
I apologize for the week delay in getting out a new post. Thanks to those of you who are reading this, I hope it proves helpful. Many of you may know that Meg and I are expecting our third child in June. As we are preparing for her arrival, there are a variety of things to get done now. For example, we need to get the room ready, crib set up, etc. Well, we have had some friends and family come share in the fun of removing the wallpaper in our spare room as part of the prepping process. A special thanks to all of them!
On Saturday, I was given the task (I mean privilege) to finish the work of wallpaper removal. Personally, I need to have the proper mind set to begin such a challenge. If you have ever removed wallpaper before you know the drill:
A. Spray the wall with some type of liquid to begin the removal process.
B. Wait.
C. Scrape or begin the removal process… spray again
D. Start all over again…
Problem: I did not have the patience to complete letter B. I would wait a few minutes, but then usually began the nitpick process of pulling off small strips little by little. As I moved across the 2-3 foot section, I would come towards the end and then I would get a large section to come off fairly easily. It took me a minute, but I realized that If I waited for a longer period of time, that it might come off easier. I wonder if that is how God sees us… we want to rush, move, respond, react, and fill our minds with busyness. However, at times God requires us to be patient. He sees what we cannot. If I could have seen the results of waiting and being patient, I might have picked up on it sooner. But in the end I realized my patience and trust in the liquid product would takes its toll on the wallpaper and loosen it up for me.
The Apostle Paul wrote this to his letter to the Philippians, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? The truth that God will finish the work in each of us that He began… Two questions come to mind. First, have you opened your heart to Jesus and allowed His Spirit to begin working? Second, are you being patient on the Lord to continue the work He started? To allow the truth of His word to saturate your heart and begin to remove the “wallpaper” of our sinful nature in order to be filled in Him.
Patient people are always an encouragement to me. In order to succeed at most things you must be patient. I have found this to be true in sports, music, and even removing old wallpaper. I am going to work to be more patient. I want to allow God to continue the work He started in me. I hope to do my best not to rush the process. I hope you know him today!
On Saturday, I was given the task (I mean privilege) to finish the work of wallpaper removal. Personally, I need to have the proper mind set to begin such a challenge. If you have ever removed wallpaper before you know the drill:
A. Spray the wall with some type of liquid to begin the removal process.
B. Wait.
C. Scrape or begin the removal process… spray again
D. Start all over again…
Problem: I did not have the patience to complete letter B. I would wait a few minutes, but then usually began the nitpick process of pulling off small strips little by little. As I moved across the 2-3 foot section, I would come towards the end and then I would get a large section to come off fairly easily. It took me a minute, but I realized that If I waited for a longer period of time, that it might come off easier. I wonder if that is how God sees us… we want to rush, move, respond, react, and fill our minds with busyness. However, at times God requires us to be patient. He sees what we cannot. If I could have seen the results of waiting and being patient, I might have picked up on it sooner. But in the end I realized my patience and trust in the liquid product would takes its toll on the wallpaper and loosen it up for me.
The Apostle Paul wrote this to his letter to the Philippians, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? The truth that God will finish the work in each of us that He began… Two questions come to mind. First, have you opened your heart to Jesus and allowed His Spirit to begin working? Second, are you being patient on the Lord to continue the work He started? To allow the truth of His word to saturate your heart and begin to remove the “wallpaper” of our sinful nature in order to be filled in Him.
Patient people are always an encouragement to me. In order to succeed at most things you must be patient. I have found this to be true in sports, music, and even removing old wallpaper. I am going to work to be more patient. I want to allow God to continue the work He started in me. I hope to do my best not to rush the process. I hope you know him today!
Monday, March 9, 2009
You Are Not Alone
Basketball is likely my favorite sport. Over the years I have coached basketball, football, and even a season of track and field. But basketball has been the sport of choice for most of my life. I was thinking about the game this week and I kept being reminded of the all important free throw. This shot is often overlooked, but can easily win or lose a game. It is the part of the game where you get the least amount of points, you have to work hard to get to take the shot (thank you officials), and while you are shooting most of the gym is looking solely at you. Think about a game you have watched, when a player is shooting the free throw, all eyes focus on that player and his ability to shoot the ball into the hoop.
As a guard, I did not get to the charity stripe too much. I was more of a set up player for my team. (At least, I want to think I was…) Nevertheless, I can think of numerous games when I was at the line and how lonely it felt at times. There you are the line and you know you need to make these easy shots. Many times a player is given the ball and can win the game if they make their free throws. A good friend once told me “you should never miss a free throw. It is the easiest shot in basketball!” Why? Because it is free! They are gifts – there is no defense, just you and hoop – all alone.
I recently read through the passage in Mark where Jesus walks on water. As Mark records the story, they had just finished feeding the 5000 and Jesus has sent the disciples on their way. As they move out to sea, Jesus heads to the mountain to pray. Mark comments that the disciples find themselves in the middle of the lake fighting against the winds. As they are battling the waters, Jesus notices them “straining at the oars.” (6:48)
Mark does not tell us, but I imagine at one point the disciples may have wondered where Jesus was in the midst of the storm? Why were they all alone at sea? Were they going to die? I suppose in a small way, they may have felt like they were shooting a free throw with the game on the line. When Jesus arrives near the boat, he offers these words to the disciples; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
The disciples were not alone. He was watching the entire time. In the midst of their strain, Jesus offers them hope, he offers himself. I am grateful that Jesus gives us the same message today, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” If you are straining the oars of life or perhaps standing at the “free throw line" today, be encouraged – our Savior is right there with you cheering you on! You are not alone – you do not need to be afraid!
As a guard, I did not get to the charity stripe too much. I was more of a set up player for my team. (At least, I want to think I was…) Nevertheless, I can think of numerous games when I was at the line and how lonely it felt at times. There you are the line and you know you need to make these easy shots. Many times a player is given the ball and can win the game if they make their free throws. A good friend once told me “you should never miss a free throw. It is the easiest shot in basketball!” Why? Because it is free! They are gifts – there is no defense, just you and hoop – all alone.
I recently read through the passage in Mark where Jesus walks on water. As Mark records the story, they had just finished feeding the 5000 and Jesus has sent the disciples on their way. As they move out to sea, Jesus heads to the mountain to pray. Mark comments that the disciples find themselves in the middle of the lake fighting against the winds. As they are battling the waters, Jesus notices them “straining at the oars.” (6:48)
Mark does not tell us, but I imagine at one point the disciples may have wondered where Jesus was in the midst of the storm? Why were they all alone at sea? Were they going to die? I suppose in a small way, they may have felt like they were shooting a free throw with the game on the line. When Jesus arrives near the boat, he offers these words to the disciples; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
The disciples were not alone. He was watching the entire time. In the midst of their strain, Jesus offers them hope, he offers himself. I am grateful that Jesus gives us the same message today, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” If you are straining the oars of life or perhaps standing at the “free throw line" today, be encouraged – our Savior is right there with you cheering you on! You are not alone – you do not need to be afraid!
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